The 1970s were the golden age of Western rock! Recommended classics and hit songs
Western music of the 1970s, which began with the symbolic event that signaled the end of the 1960s—the breakup of The Beatles—saw a wide variety of genres flourish alongside traditional rock, including hard rock, progressive rock, and glam rock, with many stadium bands achieving record-breaking hits.
As a counter-movement, punk rock emerged, making it undeniable that this was a pivotal era in rock history.
In this feature, we present a lineup centered on classic, definitive numbers—masterpieces and hit songs that colored the golden age of Western rock in the ’70s.
It’s a recommended guide for young music fans who are interested in ’70s Western rock but aren’t sure where to start listening!
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The 1970s were the golden age of Western rock! Recommended classics and hit songs (41–50)
Search and DestroyIggy & The Stooges
This is a track by the American band Iggy and the Stooges, often hailed as the godfathers of protopunk.
Released as a single in June 1973, it was also included on the landmark album Raw Power, mixed by glam rock icon David Bowie.
The song voices the feelings of a young person who thinks society has abandoned them, calling themselves a “cheetah walking down the street,” torn between destructive impulses and a hunger for recognition.
Its machine-gun-like guitar riff and feral vocals radiate a raw energy that stands apart from glittering glam rock.
It was memorably used in Wes Anderson’s film The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou.
When you feel the urge to tear everything down, why not surrender yourself to this roaring wall of sound?
The 1970s were the golden age of Western rock! Recommended classics and hit songs (51–60)
Hot LoveT-REX
This is a single released in February 1971 by the British band T.
Rex, emblematic of the dawn of the glam rock era.
It dominated the UK charts for six weeks and helped spark the social phenomenon known as “Bolanmania.” The repetitive, simple guitar riff and Marc Bolan’s sweet, whisper-like vocals are especially memorable.
The lyrics convey irrepressible, passionate love and a sense of exhilaration.
As you listen, your heart can’t help but lift, evoking a sparkle akin to the first rush of romance.
It’s often said that their performance of this song on a music show marked the very beginning of “glam rock,” making it an essential track for anyone interested in the genre.
Marquee MoonTelevision
The guitar’s mysterious tone is addictive.
It’s a song by Television, a band from New York, USA.
It’s the title track from their 1977 album Marquee Moon.
Their distinctive musical style earned them strong support and a place among popular bands.
Even now, it has a timeless appeal that doesn’t feel dated.
Mr. Blue SkyE.L.O
This track is a classic by ELO that helped cement the pinnacle of ’70s rock.
It features a catchy, Beatles-influenced melody and optimistic lyrics.
Included on the 1977 album “Out of the Blue,” it reached No.
6 in the UK and No.
35 in the US.
It’s been used in numerous films and TV shows, including Guardians of the Galaxy Vol.
2.
Perfect for when you want to feel uplifted or as a soundtrack for a drive.
Listen to it, and your spirits are sure to soar!
Wild HorsesThe Rolling Stones
This is a song by the British rock band The Rolling Stones.
It was released in 1971 and is included on the album Sticky Fingers.
The deeply emotive guitar solo really tears at your heart.
It’s a love ballad that likens a cherished person to a wild horse.
It’s also known as a song by the American band The Flying Burrito Brothers.
We Are the ChampionsQueen
This is one of the signature songs by Queen, the legendary British band that dominated the rock scene in the 1970s.
Released in November 1977, it broke into the top 10 on charts around the world.
As a stadium-shaking anthem, it’s still widely used at sports events today.
Freddie Mercury’s overwhelming vocal power and the crowd-participation lyrics are especially compelling.
It’s the perfect track for moments when you want to savor victory, feel a sense of achievement, or motivate yourself.
It’s also a great recommendation for those just getting into Queen’s music.
Highway StarDeep Purple
Deep Purple is a quintessential British hard rock band that, despite a breakup and numerous lineup changes, released a new album in 2024 and continues to perform as an active band.
As one of the groups that drove the hard rock boom of the 1970s, they enjoy immense popularity in Japan as well.
“Highway Star,” included on their landmark album Machine Head, stands alongside “Smoke on the Water” as a quintessential masterpiece often cited as a model study piece for guitarists.
This famous track is also referenced in JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure, where it appears in Part 4, Diamond Is Unbreakable, as Yuya Fungami’s Stand.
